Ashby Life February 2021

FEBRUARY 2021

www.ashbylife.co.uk

YOUR FREE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE AND BUSINESS DIRECTORY

ISSUE 177

INSIDE THIS MONTH: LOCAL WALK - DIMMINSDALE • VALENTINE’S DAY INSPIRATION

An excellent independent co-education from 0-18

SEE PAGE 41

SEE PAGE 7

SEE PAGE 3

Owen Williams Kitchens

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Whether you're after a traditional shaker kitchen or prefer a more contemporary handle-less look, with such a wide range to choose from you're sure to �nd a kitchen you'll love at Owen Williams Kitchens. Here are just a few reasons to consider us for your kitchen project: High quality British made kitchens Over 270 doors in 40 �nishes, both modern and traditional Wide range of worktops and appliances from market-leading brands Fully project-managed installations, using our own highly skilled team Unrivalled customer service, from design to completion

COVID-19 UPDATE: Our showroom is closed, but we are still working remotely Following the announcment of another national lockdown, our showroom is closed for the time being.

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ASHBY LIFE – Your handy guide to local services and businesses

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07/01/2021 Ashby Life call 01530 417739 or email info@lifemagazines.co.uk

10:28 3

IN THIS ISSUE

Welcome

to our February issue.

Being able to produce, print and deliver our community magazines during this lockdown is such a relief. It means we can continue to help local businesses who are continuing to trade. We can let you know they are still open whether this is by offering online services, click and collect for local stores or tradespeople carrying on essential works.

Editor Vanessa Preece

01530 417739 Email enquiries Advertising/Accounts Website/What’s On info@lifemagazines.co.uk W

www.ashbylife.co.uk www.facebook.com/ashbylife @AshbyLife

Ashby Life Ltd

Rockleigh House 37 Burton Road Ashby de la Zouch LE65 2LF

Ashby Life is an independent publication.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior permission of the editor. The use of this magazine for canvassing or direct marketing is strictly prohibited. Information is included on the What’s On and Community Board pages subject to space being available. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, Ashby Life cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions or endorse companies, products or services appearing in this magazine. All adverts are published in good faith using information supplied by each company, on the understanding that relevant permissions have been obtained.

Would you like to

Vitally, it also means we can share news of community support groups and local sources for help as well as tips on home-schooling, online security in your home office and keeping positive through exercise and healthy eating.

Charities and community groups have been especially hard hit in the last twelve months and have had to adapt the way in which they can continue to operate as well as raise essential funds. Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal runs every March, raising money to help the terminally ill and their families – see on page 22 how this year’s event will run differently.

Finally, we all know the benefits of heading out for a daily walk, mentally and physically. Turn to page 34 for this month’s local walk in Dimminsdale Nature Reserve where the blankets of snowdrops will remind you spring is on it’s way at long last!

Stay safe,

Vanessa

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It’s a fantastic way to target potential customers and great value for money. See our website or call us on 01530 417739 for details Please note advertising space is limited, pre-booking is recommended

FEBRUARY

2021

ORY SS DIRECT

MAGAZ COMMUNITY

INSIDE THIS

MONTH: LOCAL

SEE PAGE 41

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ASHBY LIFE – Delivered direct to your doorstep since 2005

ISSUE 177

INE AND BUSINE

YOUR FREE

WALK - DIMMIN

SDALE • VALENT

SEE PAGE 7

INE’S DAY

INSPIRATION

dent t indepen An excellen from 0-18 co-education PAGE 3

SEE

5ft FOR 4ft 6" PRICE

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IN THIS ISSUE

CONTENTS 10 Fitness Tips 14 & 15 Ashby Town Council News 18 Marie Curie Great Daffodil Appeal 2021 22 Wines of the Month 26 Homeschooling Tips 30

Food & Drink - Eating Seasonally

Local Walk - Dimminsdale

Just for Fun

Valentine’s Day 2021

Nature Reserve The Conservation Volunteers The National Forest Technology Tips Ashby Museum News St Helen’s Church & Heritage Centre Puzzle Page Body Matters In Your Garden Ashby Christadelphian Church

34 38 42 46 50 52 56 60 62 64

Castle Medical Group News Community Board This Month’s Recipe On the Beat Pet’s Corner

Chess Puzzle Puzzle Solutions Business Directory

62 6

For all the latest news and events follow us on Facebook and Twitter

68 72 76 80 82 84 88 90 92 94

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Welcoming New Residents AT R I C H M O N D V I L L A G E S A S T O N - O N - T R E N T YO U R L O C A L R I C H M O N D V I L L A G E S ’ C A R E H O M E There’s been lots of smiles, tears and laughter over the last year, through it all we’ve been there for our residents and their families, relentlessly. Our professionally trained team is always on hand, providing personalised care to match every unique need.

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VALENTINE’S DAY

Valentine’s

Lockdown Special Valentine’s Day this year may not involve being whisked away to Paris or a three course meal and champagne at a swanky restaurant (does it ever?) but for all you die-hard romantics out there here are our top tips for marking the occasion all with the help of local businesses…

Norths of Ashby If your Valentine is a true foodie then this is the perfect gift for them. Call Norths to order a delicious grazing box filled with cheese, cured meats and much more on 01530 588 284.

Grace & Co for jewellery Treat someone special with some sparkle this Valentine’s Day from Grace & Co. They have a wide range of brands to suit most budgets. You can view their jewellery at https:// www.graceandcojewellery.co.uk/ and buy online for delivery.

Meal Take Out – Zamanis Treat yourselves to an evening with no cooking by having dinner delivered by Zamanis! They offer a wide range of pizza’s, pasta dishes and sides delivered to your door. Call to order on 01530 560719.

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Gracie Jaynes, Ibstock If you would like to buy your Valentine a thoughtful gift look no further than Gracie Jaynes who stock lovely homeware including candles, pictures and more. They have a great website https://www. graciejaynes.co.uk/collections/home where you can view their collection and order for delivery or collection.

Flowers – Fancy That Surprise someone you love with some beautiful flowers delivered from Fancy That [based locally in Ashby’s Town Hall market]. Call them on 01530 563563 to place your order.

Cakes and Treats by S&J If you have a loved one with a sweet tooth then get in touch with Cakes and Treats by S&J. For Valentine’s Day they are offering love heart brownies, cookies or a cupcake bouquet with prices from just £15. See their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/sjcakesandtreats for details and message them to order.

ASHBY LIFE – Your handy guide to local services and businesses

We will work with you, our customers and partners, and respect their wishes on preferred means of contact, following good hygiene and safe distancing.

LevLaw Ltd remains here for you. (previously Kornerstone Legal Services)

Protecting Your Family Inheritance

Most people hope that their estate will pass on to their children and grandchildren eventually.

But this will not happen for many, unless careful arrangements have been made to protect their assets from being taken towards the end of their life to pay for care home fees. The solution to help protect your estate is a Will incorporating a Property Protection Trust (PPT).

As the surviving partner does not own the deceased’s share of the property it is fully protected for the beneficiaries, so if the surviving partner requires care, or even remarries, this share of the children’s inheritance is protected.

This last point can be particular interest to couples who have come together and have children with different partners.

A testamentary PPT can only be executed whilst both partners remain alive. Upon death of the first partner, their Will specifies that their share A PPT can help each person in a relationship of the property is placed into trust and names the ensuring that their children inherit their share of ultimate beneficiary of this share, normally the the property, while giving their surviving partner children and grandchildren of the deceased. The the ability to live in the property for the rest of providing an affordable professional surviving partner, under the terms of the The trust, true way theirinlife.

If the surviving partner wants to move service has the unequivocal right to remain living in the to another property, they can still sell the property property for the rest of their life. On the death and the proceeds to be used to purchase a new of the second partner the Trust comes to an end property, the terms of the Trust remain over the Ifandyou are OVER 60 it the property passes to the beneficiaries. new property.

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*Our prices include VAT. These very special rates are only available if you are over 60 years old. Normal price for standard Will £125, £195 for two. We also provide Funeral Plans. LPA if instructed without a Will it is £105. LevLaw Ltd was previously Kornerstone Legal Services Ltd. LevLaw Ltd is in association with LevLaw Wealth Protection Ltd.

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FITNESS TIPS WITH FITNESS REPUBLIC

WE’RE ON YOUR TV! Lockdown or no lockdown, the show must go on as they say, and your health and fitness is now crucially more important than ever. With so many of us stuck at home, unable to get to the gym and home schooling testing our sanity to the max, what are we to do? Well, all is not lost. We’re coming to you.

So, what’s with Fitness Republic TV? We developed Fitness Republic TV just before the first lockdown. We wanted to find a way to help our members stay fit whilst they were unable to get to the gym. We thought if you can’t get to us, then we’re coming to you!

We produce over 20 ‘Live’ classes a week direct via our members Facebook group. Ranging from HIIT to Pilates, Combat to Kettlebells. All workouts are 15-35 minutes long, which is something that I believe really helps as hopefully you can fit these shorter workouts in more regularly than long exhausting ones.

We decided to do our workouts on Facebook live so

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that you can feel like you’re there with us. Its’s not prerecorded we’re right there with you at the same time. It helps our team too, as it feels like we’re back teaching in our studio! We now have over 700 On Demand classes stored on the group for you to play back at times to suit you.

Zoom, has had another explosion during lockdown too, and this is also something we have incorporated into our schedule, with 7 live Zoom workouts a week on our timetable.

The difference with Zoom is that we can also now see you whilst you follow us on the workout. This is amazing and very motivational as there’s no escape!

(You can turn your camera off if you like though) So, as you can see, there isn’t any excuse to discard your New Year’s resolutions, and many more reasons to keep them in place.

Simon

Fitness Republic info@fitnessrepublic.co.uk 01530 413 330

For all the latest news and events follow us on Facebook and Twitter

FITNESS REPUBLIC’S BALLETBEFIT TEACHER, KATE, TALKS OPENLY If, like me, January arrived and you felt energised with a renewed sense of determination - fantastic!

However, if (also like me!) you have then reached February not resembling Jennifer Aniston and end up diving headfirst into anything chocolate covered from M&S, then congratulations - you’re human!

When I was younger, I trained as a professional ballet dancer in London. From an early age, I put my body through hours of intense training 6 days a week. I was at peak physical fitness.

When I decided to retrain in order to teach BalletBeFit in 2017, I cannot describe the sheer pain I felt, and how limited in movement my body had become. My honest thought was that after a few months of training - it would be like riding a bike and my body would be back to where it was. How wrong I was.

But 4 years later, I’ve learnt a few things:

don’t see it as something I have to do. I think one of the secrets to keeping going with exercise is to stop seeing it as a necessity to keep weight off and more as a way to feel good. Instead of working towards a certain weight goal, try to vary the ways in which you exercise and just enjoy it! One of the great things about the classes at Fitness Republic is the variety - stepping out of your comfort zone and trying a different class might just mean you find something you love to do!

3 Pace yourself and give yourself a break. Rest when you need to, work to your ability and don’t expect results within 48hours of working out. Yes, it can take time, but it’s worth every minute!

1 I will never look like Jennifer Aniston.

2 Strength, fitness and flexibility develop over time.

After 6 months of repeating exercises and specific movements, I could correctly execute a grand plié without (a) crying, or (b) thinking my thighs were going to explode.

After a year, I could lift my leg, in front of a room of women, without the need to physically hold it up winner! 4 years later, my body feels so different. My core strength and fitness has improved 10 fold since that first training session.

3 My mentality towards exercise as an adult (with 2 children) is completely different. For starters - I

So, to sum up, when starting a fitness journey, remind yourself of a few little things. Listen to your body, work to your own ability, make it manageable in order to keep at it, and find something you enjoy doing! Know that even if you can’t see or feel dramatic results after a week, it is working, you are getting stronger, and hopefully this will be the first year of many that fitness becomes a staple part of your daily life.

Kate

Fitness Republic info@fitnessrepublic.co.uk 01530 413 330

To advertise in Ashby Life call 01530 417739 or email info@lifemagazines.co.uk

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ASHBY TOWN COUNCIL NEWS

© Brian Winfield

Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to wish our residents a belated Happy New Year from all Town Councillors and staff.

2020 was a difficult year but there were also some great community projects and some fantastic local heroes emerged who showed tremendous community spirit - for this we thank you.

Christmas lights For our Christmas light scheme in 2020 we had a change in supplier and direction and despite the challenges faced we managed to put on a fabulous display which was in keeping with our lovely town.

The positive feedback has been overwhelming. I would like to thank everyone who took the time to comment, your feedback was most welcome. I hope our lights put a smile on your face and brightened up the town in a spectacular way. Preparations have already started for this year’s display.

Blue Plaque Scheme Working in conjunction with Ashby Museum we have started a project to install new heritage plaques around the town on significant buildings or those with historic interest.

They are set to be installed over the next two years.

A blue plaque is a permanent sign installed to commemorate a link between that location and a famous person, event, or former building on the site, serving as a historical marker. Various buildings have been identified of significant historical importance to the town and therefore we would like to commemorate these by installing a plaque which details its history and usage.

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© Elaine Marston

Look out for updates in future editions.

Better Connectivity As the town continues to evolve there is a need to take a look at how products and services are accessed by all users.

Therefore, we are currently investigating a new cycling strategy, ‘Walkers are Welcome’ and mixed use of the town centre.

It is hoped that we can achieve better connectivity to and from other local amenities such as Hick’s Lodge, Moira Furnace and Conkers. This also forms our plans to work more closely with the National Forest to establish Ashby as a ‘Forest Town’.

Throughout the year, the Town Council has continued with its day-to-day work in the management of our parks and open spaces and in the town cemetery. We have been successful in our application for Green Flag Status for Ashby Bath Grounds and have been re-accredited for Purple Flag for our night-time economy. ‘Ashby Fabulous’ also managed to take place between lockdowns to remind everyone what a fantastic town centre we have.

Please take care and respect others at all times. We hope to return to some form of normality later this year but in the meantime continue to observe the current government guidelines.

“Stay home. Protect the NHS. Save lives.”

Councillor John Coxon

Leader of the Town Council

ASHBY LIFE – Your handy guide to local services and businesses

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GREAT DAFFODIL APPEAL

MARIE CURIE’S GREAT DAFFODIL APPEAL 2021 Like everyone, Marie Curie has been hit hard by coronavirus.

Their nurses and hospices have been on the frontline throughout the pandemic, caring for dying people and their families.

They’ve also seen more people than ever calling their Support Line, looking for help because they are feeling isolated or have had to grieve for a loved one alone during lockdown.

Each year the Great Daffodil Appeal helps Marie Curie Nurses provide vital care to people living with a terminal illness and support their loved ones during the difficult times. This year it’s even easier to raise money for Marie Curie by signing up for a virtual Great Daffodil Appeal collection.

This year’s Great Daffodil Appeal will be one like no other. Thousands of Marie Curie volunteers will not be able to collect donations in exchange for a daffodil at local supermarkets, trains stations or town centres like they usually do each spring. However, you can still be a part of this year’s Great Daffodil Appeal by setting up a virtual collection instead simply by setting up a JustGiving page. This means you don’t even need to leave the house to fundraise.

• Just £20 will provide an hour of expert care and support from a Marie Curie Nurse for someone in their own home.

• £41 will kit out a Marie Curie Nurse, so they’re ready to face anything and deliver their vital care while taking pride in their uniform.

• £390 pays for a hospice bed for a day, meaning someone living with a terminal illness can get expert

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care in a comfortable environment when they need it the most.

Every penny you raise from your Great Daffodil Appeal virtual collection goes towards supporting people living with a terminal illness and their families. These are tough times for everyone, particularly people who have been devastated by bad news and those closest to them.

Marie Curie Nurses will never stop caring for people and easing the burden for their family members, so your virtual collection really will mean the world to them and everyone they care for.

Find out how to set up your virtual Great Daffodil Appeal including a handy step by step guide and plenty of resources for letting all your Facebook friends see how you’re doing at https:// greatdaffodilappealvirtualcollection. blackbaud-sites.com/

For all the latest news and events follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Step up and organise a Virtual Collection One daffodil, one donation or one collection will mean the world to someone. So join us for the Great Daffodil Appeal to support people living with a terminal illness and their families.

With a virtual collection you can raise money to help people in need without even leaving your home.

To set up your own virtual collection head to: www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil

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WINES OF THE MONTH

VALENTINE’S WINES

As Valentines is nearly upon us, we thought it would be appropriate to have a look at Sparkling Wines, particularly with a view to looking at the different ways these are produced.

They are most commonly produced using one of two methods, bottle fermentation or tank fermentation. The first step is to produce a base wine which will be dry, high in acidity and low in alcohol. The base wine is usually a blend of different wines which can be from different vintages and varieties of grape. The CO2 that makes the bubbles in most sparkling wines is a by-product of the second fermentation. To stop the CO2 from escaping, the second fermentation must take place in a sealed vessel, either a sealed bottle or sealed tank.

Bottled Fermented Sparking Wines The most common and highly regarded method is the traditional method famously used in the production of Champagne and Cava. All wines labelled with the term Traditional Method have been made using this method.

Champagne The base wine for Champagne is typically Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier. Most Champagnes are a blend from several vintages and are referred to as non-vintage.

A very good quality Champagne has complex flavours of green fruit (apple) and citrus fruit (lemon) and autolytic notes (toasted bread, biscuit). A Vintage Champagne is created in exceptional years, produced in small quantities commanding high prices.

Cava

production, the same method as for the production of Champagne. The smaller producers are making good quality Cavas that are aged in contact with lees for extended periods.

Tank Fermented Sparkling Wines This method can be used if the winemaker does not wish to add autolytic flavours (toasted bread, biscuit) to their wine. The process is relatively simple with the second fermentation taking place in the tank creating bubbles.

The lees are removed by filtration and the wine is bottled under pressure. This method is used for Prosecco.

Prosecco DOC Prosecco is a dry or off-dry, sparkling wine from north-east Italy typically using the grape variety Glera as the base wine. Glera produces light to medium bodied wines with light apple and melon flavours.

The vast majority of Cava originates I hope this help you explore various types of Sparkling from the Catalunya region and Wine.

Cava is a Spanish term for a traditional Karl method of The Honest Wine Company Ltd ORDER 6 BOTTLES AND GET FREE DELIVERY If you’re looking for further recommendations on new wines TO ASHBY & to try give Karl a call on 07970 122501 – he’s always happy to SURROUNDING chat all things wine!

AREAS You can order online at www.thehonestwinecompanyltd.co.uk

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Wines / Craft Beers / Wine Accessories / Vintage Glassware / Gift wrapping / Corporate Gifts / Courier-Delivery Service

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A PROFESSIONAL, RELIABLE AND AFFORDABLE SERVICE WHATEVER THE SCALE OF YOUR ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS We are equipped to cater for domestic, commercial and industrial environments. Our range of expertise includes: • Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) & Remedial Works • Lighting: Upgrades, New Installations, Emergency Lighting Tests • Security: Access Control, Intruder Alarms, CCTV • Fire: Alarm Systems, Smoke Detectors • Networking: Data, TV & Phone Points • Power: New Wiring Installations, Part & Full Rewires, Distribution Board & Consumer Units • Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) • Fault Finding • Emergency Call Outs

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HOME SCHOOLING TIPS

For the vast majority of us, turning our houses into fully functioning schools is not even close to being realistic and nor should it be. A lot of parents and careers feel like this is what is expected of them. Relax, it’s not. You just have to do the best that your family circumstances will allow. Here are a few tips from Nicki at Top Marks Tutoring Centre that might help.

• Don’t compare what you are doing to what other parents are doing. By all means, listen to ideas shared by other parents, but don’t think that if they appear to be doing more, that you need to be doing the same. Every family’s circumstances are different, do what is right for yours.

• Try to create a space for them to work. You don’t need to provide them with their own office, something as simple as sitting in a different chair than they normally would do is absolutely fine. They just need somewhere that they know that, when they sit there it is time to do some school work.

• Don’t think that you have to sit and do the teacher-led zoom lessons with your child. You don’t go and sit next to your child during normal school lessons. Just make sure they have their equipment, get them started and then leave them to it. However, with some children, it might be worth checking that they haven’t sneakily switched from Zoom to Fortnite!

• Don’t be scared to “Google it”. If you can’t remember how to multiply fractions or don’t know what a fronted adverbial is, then don’t be scared to google it

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or better still teach them how to. The earlier they learn how to find things out for themselves the better.

• Don’t make zoom all about teaching. Zoom is a great way for them to connect with their friends. If you can, try scheduling zoom playtimes to give them a break from their school work.

• Get some fresh air. At school, most children will have at least two or three outside breaks. Give them (and you) a chance to unwind for a little bit and send them in the garden for a while.

• When the going gets tough, STOP. If either of you is getting stressed then be kind to yourselves and stop, take a rest from it. Ten minutes in a relaxed and calm environment is going to yield far better results than an hour of forced, tear-inducing (that’s either one of you) “learning”.

It is also worth remembering that not all learning comes from the classroom. Noticing nature on your daily exercise, watching documentaries on TV, getting them to help with cooking or household chores are all things that have an educational benefit.

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REDFERN LANDSCAPE LTD

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LOCAL WALK WITH LIZ ROBERTS

Enjoy the snowdrops

at Dimminsdale!

Dimminsdale nature reserve is a very special place, hidden within the woodland you will find a truly stunning display of snowdrops - a welcome sign that Spring is on its way. The short walk around Dimminsdale can easily be completed in half an hour but if you fancy a longer stroll, there is the option to extend the walk to include a visit to the Ferrers Centre at Staunton Harold. The path around Dimminsdale is steep in places and can be slippery so you need to be steady on your feet and to wear suitable footwear but you will be well rewarded!

Parking for this walk is in the Severn Trent Spring Wood car park by the end of Staunton Harold Reservoir. To reach the car park follow the B587 from the roundabout

by Tesco, stay on the B587 as it turns left towards Melbourne and passes the entrance to Staunton Harold Hall and then take the first turning left – this leads downhill and you’ll find the car park on your left just before the road crosses the reservoir.

Exit the car park at the bottom corner where a path leads back out onto the road. Turn left to walk alongside the road for about 200 yards - you will cross the bottom of the reservoir and then arrive at the entrance to Dimminsdale Nature Reserve part way up the hill on your left. Entering the reserve, follow the path across a bridge and walkway and then down some steep steps to arrive in front of the large pool that is at the heart of the Nature Reserve. Ignore the footpath marker pointing right and turn left at the bottom of the steps to follow the path around the site clockwise. Cross bridges over the small streams that run out of the main pool before going steeply uphill and bearing around to the right. There are several sets of steps on this narrow path – after the second set of downhill steps is a small hollow protected by a large mossy stone – this is where we always look for the first signs of snowdrops. Keep following the path around to the top of the hill and the main display of snowdrops.

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As the path curves around to go back downhill there is a yellow marker for the Ivanhoe Way/National Forest Way – if you turn left here and follow the path you will come into the Staunton Harold Estate.

To complete the walk around Dimminsdale follow the path as it goes downhill via a series of steps, after the snowdrops. Cross over a small stream at the bottom of the hill and, ignoring the path off to the left, go up and then bear round to the right. The path is wider now as it passes through the woods at the bottom of the site before emerging beside the pond. You have now completed the circuit and are back at the bottom of the steps that you descended at the start of the walk, next to the footpath marker post – turn right and follow the path back up the steps, across the walkway and bridge to leave the Dimminsdale. Turn right along the road to return to the car park.

All walks are checked shortly before publication but please be aware that paths may change over time and with the seasons.

Walks for all in the Heart of the Forest

by Liz Roberts A fully illustrated book of 12 local walks plus great trips out for all the family. Find out more at www.nationalforestwalks.co.uk

ASHBY LIFE – Your handy guide to local services and businesses

For a competitive, no obligation, free estimate contact

Richard 07808 704083

Or visit us at Western Old Park Farm, Nottingham Road Ashby De La Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 1DP

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SOUK de la Zouch

To all our wonderful customers, stay safe

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3 Bath Street Corner, Ashby de la Zouch LE65 2FH To advertise in Ashby Life call 01530 417739 or email info@lifemagazines.co.uk

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FOR ALL YOUR TOOLS AND FIXINGS

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Supplying Tools and fixings to the trade & public, power tools and all associated products within the construction industry.

Specialising in all aspects of ironmongery and hardware.

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THE CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS Like everyone, TCV had a lot planned locally for 2020, with a new gardening for health project, Measham Green Gym planned, and the expansion of our Friday conservation sessions in Coalville, as well as some new sites for our Tuesday group. And of course, increasing the number of our weekend Community Woodfuel woodland management sessions, where volunteers thin woodland and take the thinnings home for their own use!

Well, it didn’t turn out quite like that! And now, even with all our new COVID-safe procedures, like everyone else we are back to waiting and hoping for - March? Spring?

- to see us out once again in the woods and meadows, making green spaces better for people and wildlife.

In the meantime, if you are keen to help wildlife, as we are, why not improve your own garden? There are some excellent online guides to helping wildlife and increasing biodiversity in your garden, including this one: Wildlife Gardening | The Wildlife Trusts There are so many things you can do, from building a bird box or drilling an old log or post for a bee hotel, making a refuge for toads and frogs out of old rubble and hardcore, to digging out a miniature wildlife pond!

R G BEESTON

BUILDING AND GROUND WORK SERVICES

HUGE RANGE OF QUALITY NE

-CAR MATS IN STOCK OR SOURCED WITH -FILTERS & OILS Whether you have a broken headlight an -PAINTS bulb, or you want to give your car a new lo -BELTS coat of spray paint, visit us for a great dea • Batteries • Tools • Ignition • Steering -AUDIO • Wheel Trims • Brakes • Bulbs • Exhausts -BULBS • Paints • Belts and much, much more -EXHAUSTS And please do contact me to get on our local mailing list for when -TOWING BRAKE PIPES & NUMBER PLATES we start up again!

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COVERING ASHBY AND SURROUNDING AREA General repairs and maintenance Competitive rates No job too big or small Local friendly service

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ADVERTORIAL

THE FUTURE OF CONVEYANCING… WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Back in 2020 Fishers conveyancing went bold. Here’s all you need to know about how the future of conveyancing means selling houses… quickly!

even been found. This allows us to ensure that when an offer is made and accepted, everything is in place to push the property to completion as quickly as possible.

Towards the end of last year Fishers Solicitors launched Bold Move, an initiative to speed up the conveyancing process. In order for you to save weeks off the transaction time all you need to do is instruct your conveyancer at the same time as your estate agent. It’s a simple step Fishers has taken to revolutionise the market.

The pre-sale work we will do includes the preparation of the supporting paperwork you fill in, especially the Seller’s Property Information Form (TA6) as well as legal title checks, boundary title plan confirmation and management company packs being obtained if applicable. We will also obtain the office copies to your title from the Land Registry to check any title issues which may arise in advance.

Fishers Bold Move can cut the total transaction time by several weeks and with 76% of transactions halting on or after week 12, it can reduce the risk of sales falling through by speeding up the buying process.

Mistakes or missing paperwork are known for slowing down a sale, with Bold Move we can negate all of these delays before a buyer has

This service also guarantees that the complete contract pack will be issued to the buyers’ solicitor within 24 hours of receipt of the agent’s memo of sale.

With the property market booming, now is not the time to slow down when it comes to selling your house.

Selling and buying property with Fishers Solicitors Speedy timelines Upfront costs with complete transparency Updates from experienced lawyers and friendly support staff Fishers is currently closed for face to face meetings, but we are still operating as usual from home. To get in touch you can use our website, email and call us like before.

Find out more about us: www.fisherslaw.co.uk Email us to enquire: enquiries@fisherslaw.co.uk Call us on: 01530 587375 To advertise in Ashby Life call 01530 417739 or email info@lifemagazines.co.uk

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and after repairs take place. Technicians will be wearing Gloves and Masks at all times and all Payments will be taken Electronically, with no Cash or Paper exchanging hands.

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THE NATIONAL FOREST

nationalforest.org

SPRING IS ON THE WAY! Let’s hope we’re through the worst of winter, and the worst of lockdown by the time you read this.

Here’s some signs of spring to cheer us up and a few thoughts on the tree species we plant, for your walks through the Forest.

We’ve all probably heard of ‘lambs tails’, the dusty catkins of the hazel tree, but did you know the birch tree, one of the most common trees in the Forest, also displays catkins in the spring?

for many years second only to the oak for numbers planted in the Forest. None have been planted since ash dieback arrived in the UK in 2012, but we are part of national trials to assess which varieties may be disease resistant.

Planting mixed native woodlands, as we do in the Forest, helps the woodland cope with the variety of diseases that hit any forest these days. It ensures that no one disease will wipe out a stand of a single species, leaving massive bare areas.

The birch is a pioneer species, which is to say it improves poor soil and helps other trees such as the oak take root more successfully. If you think about the poor soils in the Forest after the heavy industry here up until the 1980s, it is not surprising that we have planted many thousands of birch trees, and that we can leave some areas for natural regeneration knowing birch will readily move in.

The iconic tree of an English woodland is the oak, and National Forest woodlands are no different. In early spring, look for its pale green leaves unfurling. Initially soft, bright and pliable, almost damp, watch how over the next few days they turn a darker green and become more robust.

Resilience in the face of disease is one of the reasons we constantly refine the mix of species we plant, and climate change is another. Should we plant more southerly species that are likely to cope better with our warming climate? It’s never straightforward and we are constantly looking several decades ahead!

In the meantime, the main thing is go out and enjoy the trees. Keep your eyes open for oak, birch, rowan, and small leaf lime, plus hazel, hawthorn and wild cherry. They will soon be bursting into leaf and the world will look a little brighter.

The National Forest team

You may know the saying about oak and ash leaves and how they predict the weather: ‘oak before ash, we’re in for a splash; ash before oak, we’re in for a soak’.

Which brings us to the sorry state of the ash tree,

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nationalforest.org

ASHBY LIFE – Your handy guide to local services and businesses

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We are remaining open ASHBY CHIROPODY/PODIATRY CLINIC LTD

Health & Care Professions Council Registered With the increased Covid 19 restrictions in place, we want to reassure you that our practice remains open for routine as well as emergency foot care.

As an essential health care service, we continue to provide care to our patients with enhanced safety measures place and we look forward to seeing you in clinic.

A wide range of services offered including: • • • •

General Footcare Diabetic Footcare Verrucae Treatments Nail Surgery

• Insoles and Orthotics • Footwear Advice • Biomechanics Assessment

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ASHBY LIFE – Delivered direct to your doorstep since 2005

Financial advice from our financial adviser Ian Staley Contact 01530 567020

LOOKING FORWARD TO A BETTER YEAR

Last year, as a new decade dawned, little did we know how the next 12 months would unfold.

Now, as another year begins, there are growing shoots of optimism but, whatever the year does bring, a crucial lesson from 2020 is the need to prioritise financial wellbeing to ensure we can cope with life’s trials and tribulations.

Key lessons - The coronavirus pandemic has laid bare our fragility and vulnerabilities and presented challenges on many different levels. It has also reinforced several key financial lessons, from the importance of budgeting and building up an emergency savings fund, to investment diversification and holding appropriate life and protection policies.

In short, the pandemic has demonstrated the value of maintaining sound financial planning principles and the peace of mind this delivers. In effect, by getting into good financial habits, it is possible to ensure you are cushioned against the shock when crisis does strike.

Financial wellbeing - Another key takeaway from last years’ experience has been the entwined

relationship between financial wellbeing and emotional wellbeing: while a lack of financial stability typically leads to stress and anxiety, sound finances can provide mental peace. Research conducted by insurer Royal London also highlights the critical role expert advice plays in improving emotional wellbeing by increasing clients’ financial confidence and resilience. According to the study, advised customers who have an ongoing relationship with their adviser were nearly twice as likely to feel in control of their finances as those who didn’t.

Help at hand - The New Year period provides the perfect opportunity to take stock of your finances and build foundations for a better financial future. And seeking professional advice is a vital step in achieving those objectives. So, get in touch and we’ll help you develop sound plans designed to ensure you hit your short and long-term financial goals and ultimately provide a boost to both your financial and emotional wellbeing.

For a free review of your current financial situation, please contact Ian Staley on 01530 567020.

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TECH TIPS

TOP TIPS FOR ONLINE SECURITY WHEN WORKING FROM HOME… 1. Use antivirus software: The fact is that you just need to have it to be safe!

Antivirus software is important to have on your personal computer, but its importance is even greater if you are using your own computer for working. Prevent malware from compromising your work and your employer’s systems.

2. Make sure your system and programs are up to date: Programs and operating systems are updated regularly to prevent criminals from exploiting their weaknesses. Make sure your operating system is running the latest version. It is possible to enable automatic updates to make sure your systems are safe.

3. Secure your home network: Make sure you have your WiFi network encrypted.

Does your WiFi require a password? If so then it’s a good start. If not, access your router settings to change this. You can also change your router’s default password. If your router is breached, then an attacker could get access to your devices and everything you send through the router. The default passwords for routers are a weak link in their protection.

4. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network): If you are using your own computer, use a VPN to secure your connection and encrypt your data.

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It’s much harder for your important data to be accessed if using a VPN. 5. Beware of scam emails: Never open attachments or follow links in suspicious looking emails – trust your gut, if it looks dodgy then it generally is! If you get emails with any suspicious links or attachments, don’t open them.

6. Avoid oversharing your screen: During online meetings, be cautious when sharing your screen. Think about who is listening, or watching, and what your viewers can see behind or around you. You might be oversharing content that is not meant to be viewed by others.

7. Don’t share personal information in messages or social media: Don’t share any personal information via messages or emails. Be aware of phishing and ensure that the person who asked really did so before sending important personal information. It’s also a risk to share pictures of your remote workstation in social media. You might accidentally share important information while you do it.

We hope that these few tips help you to make sure your home office is running in a safer way, but if you have questions regarding cyber security, don’t hesitate to give us a shout!

UKBITS Ltd are a Business IT Support provider, we have been supporting businesses in Ashby and the surrounding areas for 14 years. For more information please contact us on 01530 561 750.

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THE TEN MILE TIMBER COMPANY • LOCALLY SOURCED, SUMMER DRIED HARDWOOD LOGS • DELIVERED IN MEASURED QUANTITIES

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Call Danny on 01283 221738 or 07811 802099 To advertise in Ashby Life call 01530 417739 or email info@lifemagazines.co.uk

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DVERTORIAL --

APTURE SUMMER WEEDS!

mer w,

moisture to move between the grass roots and soil, which reduces watering and helps your lawn stay greener for longer.

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2. GreenThumb recommends you try to mow your lawn as a minimum at least once a week, keeping the grass to about 2.5cm (1�) or, if the weather forecasts indicates it will be low rainfall then start to raise the cut to 5cm (2�). Avoid cutting too short which can encourage weeds and moss; let it grow longer if a stressful drought looks likely.

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GreenThumb provides an early-summer treatment which is a controlled-release fertiliser that feeds the grass to maintain growth and colour, while a selective herbicide targets broad-leaved weeds such as dandelions.

Your lawn is often your most-used but least cared-for garden feature. GreenThumb have a solution to provide a healthy, fresh and beautiful lawn you can be proud of.

Contact your local GreenThumb branch on 01530 244 552.

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PACKAGE INCLUDES: • Natural granite or slate hearth • Heat board stove chamber • Steel register plate • Straight vitreous flue pipe • Carbon monoxide detector • Installation materials • Installation • Choice of 9 stoves 5kw wood or multifuel package from £1520 7.5kw wood or multifuel package from £1630 8kw wood or multifuel package from £1574 Natural slate stove chambers are now available with all packages for an additional £120

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CALL 07938 949081 Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

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ASHBY MUSEUM NEWS

ASHBY MUSEUM – THE BEGINNING 40 YEARS AGO Forty years ago, on 26th February 1981, a special meeting, called by the Civic Society, was held in Ashby Town Hall. The purpose? To discuss the setting up of a Town Museum. Offers of help came from private collectors, historical and social organisations, including Toc H, Mothers’ Union, Ashby Model Makers, Ashby Canal Association, and other individuals. An offer of premises, initially rent free, was revealed.

A Steering Committee of nine volunteers was established; it met on the following Monday, 2nd March, and a further fourteen times, before the volunteer-run Museum opened on 1st May 1982 in 13-15 Lower Church Street. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength, moving to North Street in 199091 and having a two-storey extension added in 2006-7.

The Trustees acknowledge the huge debt they owe to all volunteers over the forty years and to the support of Ashby Town Council, North West Leics District Council

and Leics County Council. Without them the Museum would not exist.

Our need for help and support from you all remains great as ever.

You do not need to be a historian – just have an interest in helping out – from premises maintenance to general office work, social media activity, archiving, research, front desk custodian etc.

Even though we remain closed at this time, please do indicate your interest in helping us as little or as much as suits you via ashbymuseum@outlook.com which we can progress when we are able to reopen.

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ASHBY LIFE – Your handy guide to local services and businesses

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A. Bartlett Ltd Ltd A. & & J. Bartlett

Domestic, Commercial, & Industrial Electrical Contractors Serving the local community for over 50 years

Home Buyers & Landlord Reports, Call Outs, Security Lighting, Intruder Alarms, Re-wiring, Extra Sockets, CCTV Free Quotes (see website for more) Office Opening Times 3 Grove –Close, Monday Friday 7.30am –5pm Packington, Saturday 9am – 12pm 77 Market Street, Ashby de la Zouch Ashby de la Zouch, LE65 1SR LE65 1AH 412504 Tel: 01530 Tel. 01530 412504, Fax. 01530 416022 E-mail. info@aandj-bartlett-ltd.co.uk Web. www.aandj-bartlett-ltd.co.uk Facebook: facebook.com/ajbartlettashby Twitter: @Bartlett_ltd To advertise in Ashby Life call 01530 417739 or email info@lifemagazines.co.uk

51

ST HELEN’S CHURCH & HERITAGE CENTRE

WRAPPING YOUR HEAD AROUND LOVE Of course, love is for life, not just for February, to misquote a well-known cliché, but Valentine’s Day does give us a great excuse to focus on love and matters of the heart. February is the month for falling head over heels, being an item and seeking a match made in heaven. Hopefully your heart isn’t in your mouth … or on your sleeve …

A couple of years ago an Open University study of marriage revealed the humble cuppa to be a crucial factor in lasting relationships. So it seems it may be true when we describe someone as our ‘cup of tea.’ Raining cats and dogs; keeping an eye out; pulling my leg; the elephant in the room idioms are everywhere. And a lot of them come from the Bible: broken heart; a cross to bear; baptism of fire; feet of clay; wash your hands of the matter; at the eleventh hour; at your wit’s end; the blind leading the blind; by the skin of your teeth; to cast pearls before swine; eat, drink and be merry; to fall by the wayside … and so on and on.

Perhaps the most appropriate Biblical idiom for February is ‘apple of my eye’ meaning someone who is precious, someone cherished, someone treasured. The phrase appeared four times in the early translations of the Bible into English in 1611 - “He found him in a desert land, and in the howling waste of the wilderness; he encircled him, he cared for him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.”

A literal translation of the Hebrew is “little man of his eye,” which it is thought could refer to the reflection of yourself that you see in the eye of another person. The English translations may have developed from the Anglo-Saxon word “arppel,” which meant both “apple” and “pupil.”

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This highlights the problem idioms can be to someone for whom English is a second (third or fourth) language.

Because we are surrounded by idioms constantly, we barely notice until we are communicating with someone who is taking them literally, when we might be sensible to try hard to avoid them. They might be all ears to start with, but they are soon beside themselves, and ready to throw in the towel.

Thankfully Jesus made life, the universe and everything wonderfully clear for us. No enigma. No barking up the wrong tree. Just two commandments and they’re both about love: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ and ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’

And what’s really great is he’s not going to come down hard on us when we’re wide of the mark. We just need to swallow our pride, eat our words, and realise we’ve been backing the wrong horse.

ASHBY LIFE – Delivered direct to your doorstep since 2005

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59

BODY MATTERS

ACUPUNCTURE Acupuncture is a treatment that originated some 5000 years ago in China. It involves the insertion of fine needles into strategic points around the body through the skin. Originally thought of as ‘hocus pocus’ by western medicine, it has, through clinical trials and anecdotally, been shown to have significant therapeutic benefits, especially for the relief of pain as well as a wide range of other medical conditions.

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that energy or chi (pronounced ‘chee’) needs to flow around the body for optimum health to balance the life force. Blockages to flow can lead to dysfunction and health issues. Needling into specific meridian points where the energy flows can rebalance this.

A western explanation is that the needles stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissues which can result in a range of body responses such as the release of the body’s natural painkillers (opiates) as well as activating a ‘pain gate’ mechanism which blocks the natural transmission of pain to the brain. Other body responses such as increased blood flow to the stimulated area have also been shown to occur. All of these responses can have therapeutic benefits.

Acupuncture is used mainly to relieve pain and discomfort associated with a variety of medical conditions, for example, headaches, spine pain, arthritis, 60

menstrual pain, muscle spasms, ligament and joint pains. It’s applications in medicine are widespread and we continue to learn more about its true potential.

The risks of acupuncture are low if you seek a competent, certified practitioner using sterile needles.

There are certain conditions that make this treatment inadvisable and potentially risky but the practitioner should be well aware of these and advise accordingly.

Should you have a course of treatment, the techniques vary. Each person who performs acupuncture has their own style usually blending some western and traditional Chinese approaches. Often a course of acupuncture over a period of weeks has a greater therapeutic benefit than a one-off session. This depends on the condition being treated but it is common to require 6 to 8 treatment sessions.

Needle insertion is usually mildly uncomfortable with a slight aching sensation when it reaches the correct depth. Between 5 and 20 needles are usually inserted and they are commonly left in place for 10 to 30 minutes.

Should you be interested in learning more about how acupuncture could help you from a musculoskeletal viewpoint please contact ProPhysio where acupuncture is one of the treatments we offer. Contact ProPhysio on 01530 588 557 or email info@prophysiomidlands.co.uk

ASHBY LIFE – Delivered direct to your doorstep since 2005

“Your “Your “Your aches aches aches and and and pains pains pai “Your aches and pains are our are our priority” our priority” priority are our are priority”

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61

IN YOUR GARDEN

GET AHEAD IN FEBRUARY February can be a rewarding time and could see you harvesting Jerusalem artichokes, spring broccoli, cabbage, carrots, sprouts, leeks, swedes, turnips and onions. Colour in the gardens and parks is creeping into view in February thanks to the stoically performing crocus, snowdrops, hellebores and grape hyacinth. The stars in the garden at this time of year though have to be both the Viburnham and Winter Jasmine, not only do both abundantly produce beautiful flowers but a lovely sweet scent too. Spring and longer days are on the way – hurray!

February is a fantastic time to get ahead because from March it can be nonstop in the garden. Here are a few suggestions to get you outside during the bright sunny but cold days: LAWNS – when it is dry aerate established lawns. This can be done with just a garden fork, pressing the fork in to the grass about 4cm, or even better with a tool called a spike aerator.

SHRUBS, TREES & HEDGES – Deciduous varieties can all be planted so long as the ground is not frozen or waterlogged. Good value bare root trees, hedging and roses are all available at this time of year. Whilst considering trees I also suggest you check any tree stakes to make sure that they have not become loose, and make sure tree ties aren’t digging into trunks. Any of your clematis that flowers in the summer can now be cut down to about 12 inches off the ground or to within 2 buds of new growth.

rden Other jobs in the ga ading pansies • Keep deadhe soils, work in • In heav y clay at ter some organic m greenhouses • Open vents in inue to weed • Generally cont between plants.

By local garden designer, Francesca Sinclair For bespoke contemporary and traditional garden design www.francescasinclair.co.uk – 07901 547 360 HARDY HERBACEOUS & PERENNIAL PLANTS & ORNAMENTAL GRASSES – can be tidied by removing dead heads and old stems and cut back now. Grasses can be tidied by gently lifting your fingers from the base to the top easing out dead and decayed damp strands. All these hardy plants can be lifted and divided to encourage better growth.

VEGETABLES– sow early varieties of peas and broad beans. These are easy to grow and give fast results so good for children. Shallots can also be planted now as can carrots (under closhes).

FLOWERS FROM SEEDS – plan your beds now and prepare them by adding in some bone meal. An array of flower seeds are available online and in garden centres, you may even have saved seeds from last year’s flowers such as poppies or sunflowers so you already have seeds for free!

FRUIT TREES – prune in winter if the tree has had poor growth –It is advisable to shorten branches and remove whole branches where the growth is too dense. Winter cutting and pruning will reduce fruiting in the short term. If growth is plentiful and growing too vigorously then wait until spring when the trees are budding or even flowering. Pruning will let light into the tree and encourage more plentiful fruiting in the long term.

Happy gardening

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ASHBY CHRISTADELPHIAN CHURCH

MAINTAINING HOPE Way back in March 2009 I wrote an editorial shortly after Barack Obama had been inaugurated as the 44th President of the USA. He came to power on the back of the slogan “Yes we can” and a campaign poster centred on the word “Hope”.

I pondered then whether hope was foolish and unfounded? Many people would think not – it’s arguably the only available option people feel they have. However, whilst politicians and leaders tell us they have the solutions to our problems, it is fairly clear they do not; offering no more than empty promises and embroidered manifestos. In a world of dramatic ups and downs where leaders, good and bad, come and go, the only constant you can absolutely rely on is God and his son Jesus – a steady rock on which to build our lives.

Here we are in 2021. We see a beaten (yet defiant) Donald Trump, a distressed world from the pandemic, a clumsy and inept implementation of Brexit and what seems to be increasing division among people and countries. A leader coming to power now under the banner “hope” would

64

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probably be laughed from the stage. Yet the message given in the Bible is as clear and consistent as ever…

“Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.

Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God.” Psalm 146 v3-5 Surrounded by unprecedented levels of confusion and uncertainty, perhaps we all need to look again at what the Bible has to say, what God can teach us about how we should live our lives and who we should put our trust in – God, a true and real source of hope.

Useful passage to look up: Psalm 118

Editorial by Ashby Christadelphian Church, Union Passage, Ashby. www. ashbychurch.co.uk Facebook: @AshbyChristadelphianChurch

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Lavender Ranch Interiors Making home the place you love Bringing you Interior Design at an affordable cost using high street brand suggestions, Lavender Ranch Interiors offers a modern and friendly service tailored to client’s specific design requirements! lavenderranchinteriors@gmail.com 07726 282261 •

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67 87

FOOD & DRINK

EATING SEASONALLY If you rarely think about where your food comes from, you’re not alone, but buying food that’s both in season and locally produced is the most environmentally friendly way to eat. What’s the best way of lessening the environmental impact of our shopping?

Supermarkets usually print their produce’s country of origin, but shopping at a local farm shop or market is

the best place to start. By doing so you’ll support local farmers, while also making sure that the food you’re buying hasn’t crossed continents to reach your plate.

Research is paramount to finding out which fruits, vegetables and even meats are in season. Luckily, the internet is filled with information and there are a number of fantastic cookbooks and apps out there that can help you plan your meals. If you’re not used to cooking new dishes, stick to simple recipes like soups and stews to begin with. If you have green fingers you could also try growing your own vegetables. Even if you don’t have a garden, many foods like lettuces and herbs can happily grow indoors all year round.

Bananas, avocados and mangoes are just a few examples of foods to avoid or at least cut down on.

They always have to be imported and they also need a lot of water and pesticides to grow in industrial quantities. While cutting out all of your favourite foods might be unrealistic, if we all filled our fridges a little more carefully, it really could make a world of difference.

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ASHBY LIFE – Delivered direct to your doorstep since 2005

I can lose weight fairly easily – it’s keeping it off that I find challenging If this experience sounds familiar, Weight Management Leicestershire’s free telephone support service might be right for you.

Over the course of 12 weeks, one of our expert nutritionists or dietitians at Leicestershire County Council will work with you to identify physical, mental and lifestyle reasons for weight gain, helping you to focus instead on approaches to healthy eating that work for you.

As well as having someone to talk to each week about your progress, you will have access to a range of resources to help keep you motivated and make informed food choices.

Head to our website to read success stories and personal recommendations from our recent clients and find out more.

You could be our next success story! leicestershirewms.co.uk t: 0116 305 1510 Nutritionists Hannah Callender and Amy Tolofari

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CASTLE MEDICAL GROUP NEWS Practice Team Update We would like to welcome Dr Jarram and Nicola to the team. Dr Jarram has previously provided locum holiday cover for us and he is now joining the team as a GP partner. Nicola is joining in the role of practice nurse.

Dr Foster and Danielle (practice nurse) are leaving the team to move onto new roles and we would like to wish them both all the best with their future.

Covid Vaccinations As a practice we are working alongside our fellow practices in North West Leicestershire to provide Covid vaccinations from a centralised hub at Measham Leisure Centre. Roll out of the programme has been phased locally and central locations are being utilised to support with the logistics linked to the delivery and storage of the vaccinations. Patients eligible for the vaccination are being prioritised, starting with those over 80. Once this age group has been completed we will move onto the next cohort as per the national guidance. Please note that you need to have both vaccinations at the same location. At present the hub is allocated a specified number of vaccines each week and we would ask for your patience, when vaccine is available we will contact patients to book you in.

Hospital Referrals We would like to reassure patients that any onward referrals we have made on your behalf have been passed onto the relevant hospital/service. Please note that some services are having to redeploy staff and this may mean that waiting times may be longer than normally expected.

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Bespoke Carports Constructed of Powder Coated Steel and Natural Cedar Choice of options including: Electric Roller Shutter, Electric Packs including Sockets/Lighting UV Protection, Internal Mesh, Manufactured in the East Midlands

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HUGE RANGE OF QUALITY NEW CAR PARTS

-CAR MATS -ANTIFREEZE IN STOCK OR SOURCED WITHIN HOURS -FILTERS & OILS -WHEEL TRIMS Whether you have a broken headlight and need a new -PAINTS -BRAKE PADS bulb, or you want to give your car a new look with a -BELTS & DISCS coat of spray paint, visit us for a great deal.

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NO HEATING OR HOT WATER? then get in touch with

The Boiler Man

• Call-outs • Breakdowns • Service & Maintenance • Replacements • Gas and Oil • Combi/Freestanding • All Gas and Plumbing Installations • Local timeserved tradesman Contact Paul on

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74

FULLY LICENSED

WONG KWEI RESTAURANT

Orders over £30 receive a free voucher up to the value of 20% T&Cs apply

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01530 412394 TELEPHONE ORDERS WELCOME

Delivery service available £1.20 delivery charge within 3 miles

CLOSED ON MONDAYS (EXCEPT BANK HOLIDAYS)

Lunch: Tues – Thu, Sat & Sun 12noon – 1.30pm Dinner: Tues – Sun 5.00pm – 10.00pm

ASHBY LIFE – Your handy guide to local services and businesses

MARK MILLER

“Where Good Leather Costs Less”

Leather Cleaning and Repair Serving the whole of the Midlands

Specialist Leather Repair ✓ Professional cleaning & stain removal ✓ Scuffs, cat scratches, burns ✓ Colour loss restored ✓ Panel Replacement ✓ Aniline Restoration

Before After Complete upholstery & re-upholstery services for traditional & contemporary pieces in fabric & leather

Upholstery

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Commercial & domestic upholstery in a large range of fabric and leather

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01455 612730 or07949 07949606949 606949 616458 or

www.leathercleaningandrepair.co.uk JRLandscaping & Grounds Maintenance

❁ Fencing Garden Clearance ❁ Hedge & Tree Cutting ❁ Turfing ❁ Artificial Turf ❁ Lawn mowing & Garden Contractor ❁ Gravelling ❁ Grounds Maintenance Contractor ❁

All commercial & domestic work undertaken Fully Insured Free no obligation quotes

07964 055397 info@jrlandscaping.co.uk www.jrlandscaping.co.uk To advertise in Ashby Life call 01530 417739 or email info@lifemagazines.co.uk

75

Community Board Citizens Advice Leicestershire CitAL’s free and impartial advice service is delivered by a combination of fully trained staff and volunteers - all currently working from home. They provide advice and information on a whole range of issues from debt and money advice to pensions to welfare benefits for people affected by cancer. During the coronavirus restrictions they will continue to offer help and support by telephone and email and hope to soon offer video appointments. Anyone needing advice can ring 0300 3301025 (City) and 0300 3302111 (County) between 9am and 4.30pm on weekdays.

NHS Every Mind Matters The impact of a third national lockdown on our mental wellbeing cannot be underestimated. The NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/ has help, tips and advice on all subjects from coping with loneliness to dealing with money worries as well as specific advice on looking after our children’s mental health and guidance on self-care for young people.

They have videos, links to local support, contacts for free talking therapies and much more.

local corporate sponsors, individuals donations and money raised by Richard and Ange Bebbington’s Santa Half marathon, the club raised a fantastic £2,400 for Ashby Foodbank. The remaining monies raised are being donated to other charities supported by Rotary.

The Carers Centre – Leics & Rutland This Leicestershire based charity offer free services to help family carers both practically and emotionally.

They hold a support group for carers of adults on a Friday from 11am to 12.30pm aimed at helping each other with caring issues. Email nadine@thecarerscentre. org.uk for more info. For details of their regular events, support sessions and advice follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheCarersCentreLLR Ashby Methodist Church The Church is not currently open for worship, however if you would like to hear a little service then please ring 01283 389666 and hear Rev Jacky giving a short, recorded, telephone worship, it can be rung anytime and will change each Friday. They are having a weekly Sunday 2.30pm Zoom service too, so please email revjackygoaten@aol.co.uk for an invite link.

Ashby Santa Fun Family Workout Ashby Town Council Calendar of Meetings Ashby Castle Rotary Club have run the annual Ashby Santa Fun Run & Walk for the last five years now and raised huge amounts for local charities. The 2020 event could not take place in it’s usual format so the all new Family Fun Workout was organised in it’s place for everyone to join in at home. Due to the generosity of

Free

COMMUNITY NOTICES

76

All meetings start at 6.30pm and take place via Zoom virtual meetings. Meetings for February: 22nd Planning & Transportation and Licensing Committee Meetings.

Members of the public are welcome to join. Full details for attending can be found at www.ashbydelazouch. info/Agendas-and-Minutes.aspx

Did you know you can put community information on this page free of charge (subject to space). So, whether you are looking for new members, volunteers or just have some information that you’d like to let local people know about simply email the details over to us at info@lifemagazines.co.uk. We’d love to hear from you.

ASHBY LIFE – Delivered direct to your doorstep since 2005

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CUSTOM ORTHOTICS USING 3D SCANNING TECHNOLOGY NOW AVAILABLE Orthotics are specially designed insoles that correct imbalances within your feet.

to create insoles that are unique for your foot type solely.

They are usually prescribed from a podiatrist and can help correct the way you walk addressing issues such as flat feet, high arches, heel pain, forefoot pain, shin splints, AchillesToe tendon Foot Files: Ingrown nails pain, knee pain, hip pain and even back pain.

Using the captured imprint together with your initial biomechanical assessment a prescriptive Orthotic request is sent to a laboratory where your orthotics are professionally made.

Orthotics can be made for the Athlete, Diabetic, CUSTOM ORTHOTICS USING 3D SCANNING slim line shoe wear and for everyday shoes.

Using highly accurate 3d foot scanning technology The orthotics base comes with a 10-year guarantee An toe nail is a when a spike of nail pierces theisskin.

The to toe may feel weingrown can capture digital imprint which used warm, lookared, bleed, become infected, ooze puss cause a lot of pain! from structural deformity ensuring they will not create uniquely custom orthotic forand you. flatten out with time and support your feet where This is particularly advantageous as every pair needed.

Why do they develop? of feet are different and require varying levels of Please get in touch for more information. support. With 3-dimensional scanning we are able

The most common reason is because people cut their nails too short, however other factors like:

Contact Details: • Tight footwear. Kieran Beenick Bsc (Hons) Podiatry • General trauma.

2 Bakery Court, Market Street, Ashby de La Zouch, LE65 1AN • It runs in the family.

• Feet being exposed to sweaty or wet conditions persistently.

Tel: 01530 414576 Mobile: 07872 857332 www.perfectfeetpodiatry.co.uk •

• Contracted toes or bunions.

A person’s gait (the way he/she walks).

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For all the latest news and events follow us on Facebook and Twitter

www.Adventure-Firstaid.com Courses available now HSE have given extensions to those with certificates expiring since 16th March until 30th September. New coronavirus first aid guidance in place.

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79

THIS MONTH’S RECIPE

S E RV E S Get the kettle on and enjoy a slice of this delicious fruity loaf cake YOU WILL NEED: • • • • •

175g unsalted butter, softened 175g caster sugar 175g self-raising flour 3 medium eggs Grated zest and juice from 1 small orange, plus extra zest to decorate • 75g ground almonds • 125g ready-to-eat dried apricots, chopped • Icing sugar, to dust

80

8

ORANGE AND APRICOT LOAF METHOD: • Preheat the oven to 170C / fan 150C / gas mark 3. Grease a 900g (2lb) loaf tin and line the base and two long sides with baking paper.

• Place the butter, sugar, flour, eggs and the orange rind and juice in a bowl. Beat with an electric whisk until thoroughly combined. Toss together the ground almonds and apricots and fold into the mixture.

• Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and gently level the surface.

Bake for 50 minutes - 1 hour 10 minutes until risen and golden and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Cool for 10 TOP TIP: If the top of the minutes then turn out onto a wire cake starts to over-brown rack and leave to cool completely. before the end of the Serve dusted with icing sugar and cooking time, cover loosely decorated with the extra orange with a piece of foil zest.

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81

ON THE BEAT

POLICE CYBERALARM TO HELP BUSINESSES PROTECT THEMSELVES A new tool which helps businesses better protect themselves from cybercrime, is now available in our force area as part of a national roll out in England and Wales.

Funded by the National Cybercrime Programme, Police CyberAlarm acts like ‘cyber CCTV’, monitoring the traffic seen by a business’ connection to the internet. It will detect and provide regular reports of suspected malicious activity, enabling a business to take steps to improve their cyber resilience.

The force and East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) Cyber Crime teams will be offering the free tool to our local businesses and organisations, helping to build a national network of Police CyberAlarm members. The data collected will help law enforcement identify current threats and take enforcement action against cyber criminals.

Members will benefit from regular reports detailing suspicious and potentially malicious attack activity on their firewall. It will show them how they are being attacked, and where from so they can improve their cyber resilience.

Once a business or organisation becomes a Police CyberAlarm member, they will need to install the ‘CyberAlarm Virtual Server’ which will then collect and process traffic logs identifying suspicious activity from the firewall. The server collects traffic logs, but not the content of the traffic. It is designed to protect personal data, trade secrets and intellectual property.

Police CyberAlarm can benefit any business with a computer network including SMEs, organisations, public and private sector, charities, education establishments and local government.

EMSOU DCI Phil Donnelly said: “The threat of cyber82

attacks against businesses are increasing and police and industry need to work together to combat this threat. Police CyberAlarm is a great example of what can be achieved when policing and private industry work together.

This new tool acts like a CCTV camera, monitoring the traffic seen by a business’ connection to the Internet. It will detect and provide regular reports of suspected malicious activity, enabling a business to take steps to improve their cyber resilience.

We know that the average cost of a cyber attack to a small business is around £11,000, and we know that there are thousands of successful attacks every day. Cyber security should be a priority for every single business, no matter how big or small that business is.

The more members we have, the more data we get, which will provide law enforcement with a much richer intelligence picture about the current and emerging threats businesses are facing. The data will also be presented back to members in the form of regular reports to help them take steps to improve their cyber security.”

Businesses can sign up on the Police CyberAlarm website https://cyberalarm.police.uk/ PC MARK ARJOO e-mail: mark.arjoo@ leicestershire.pnn.police.uk tel: 101, voice mail ID - 1667

ASHBY LIFE – Your handy guide to local services and businesses

To advertise in Ashby Life call 01530 417739 or email info@lifemagazines.co.uk

83

PETS CORNER

LOVE BIRDS: CHOOSING A FEATHERED FRIEND Whether you choose a songbird or a chatty parrot, birds can make wonderful pets for young and old alike. Each species will have its favoured home environment, so choosing the right bird is an important consideration before you buy.

Consider the other people and pets already in your household. Small children are more interested in a pet they can handle and play with and your dog or cat might also have the same desire! Some birds are fine with being handled, but larger species can be less friendly and that hooked beak can inflict some damage.

The most common bird chosen as a pet is a budgerigar. They are sociable and able to mimic some speech and other noises such as whistles. But equally popular are canaries, which are small and of course are known for their beautiful song.

Just like any other pet, birds need daily care. There is

84

the cleaning of their cage, top up of food and water, and some will need to be let out in the house from time to time for exercise.

Remember too that if you go on holiday, they’ll need to be looked after. Many birds don’t like being moved to a different environment, so you may need someone who you can trust to come into your house.

In summary, do your research and consult your vet if you need a final opinion.

ASHBY LIFE – Delivered direct to your doorstep since 2005

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To book an appointment please call us on 07831 847085 info@thedoghouse.org.uk www.thedoghouse.org.uk theDoghouse, Old Parks Lane, Smisby, Ashby de la Zouch LE65 2UB Ashby Life Ad ver2.indd 1

11/01/2021 85 16:29 Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

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Locksmith Services Melbourne - Ashby - Coalville - Swadlincote Lock fitting • Lock replacement • Landlord services Window locks • Ironmongery • Gaining access Outbuilding security • Domestic & commercial Ian Rice 07958 102212 • ianrice@hotmail.co.uk

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For all the latest news and events follow us on Facebook and Twitter

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Local leaflet drops Reach 6,000 homes in the LE65 areas • We can deliver your leaflets direct to the homes of local residents • Delivery within in the Ashby Life Magazine • Delivery by our trusted team of local distributors • No more than two leaflets booked with each issue

Book now by calling 01530 417739 or email info@lifemagazines.co.uk

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87

JUST 4 FUN

Wordwheel

Word Ladder

Each word to be three letters or more (but no plurals), and all must contain the central letter. There’s at least one word which uses all of the letters.

Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word moving from top to bottom.

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Target: Excellent: 60 or more words Good: 48 words Fair: 40 words

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CODEWORD Each letter in this puzzle is represented by a number between 1 and 26. The codes for three letters are shown. As you find the letters enter them in the box below.

Solutions on page 92

88

Find us online at www.ashbylife.co.uk

Home break-ins increase by 20% in the winter due to the darker evenings.

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10/12/2020 Please mention ASHBY LIFE when responding to adverts

09:48

89

CHESS PUZZLE White’s pieces are ganging up on the Black King, and have several options to mount the final attack. Only one way will achieve checkmate in 4 moves though. Can you find it ?

Chess is now played by millions online, but many consider that it is far better enjoyed when playing face to face with another person.

Ashby has an excellent Chess Club with over 30 members, and welcomes people of all ages and playing abilities. We normally meet in the Front Lounge of the Ivanhoe Social Club in Wilfred Place from 7:00 on Thursday evenings, but are not able to at the moment. Hopefully this will change soon. In the meantime we have set up our own club on Chess.com. If you are interested in joining us contact Neil Roberts on 07804 743471 or njhammer145@gmail.com.

You can also check out our web site ashbychess.com where amongst other things there is an interactive daily puzzle like this one.

The solution can be found on page 92 - should you need it!

90

WHITE TO MOVE AND WIN IN 4 MOVES 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a

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ASHBY LIFE – Your handy guide to local services and businesses

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Specialists in home extensions, loft conversions, general building & bespoke joinery works, SS Joinery are

‘Covering every angle’ of the building trade.

Follow us

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91

ALL YEAR ROUND SERVICE 30+ YEARS EXPERIENCE

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PUZZLE SOLUTIONS Word Ladder GOAT boat beat peat peas pegs PIGS (other solutions may exist)

92

Wordwheel DISTORTED

Quick Crossword

Chess Solution Rxg7+… Rxg7. Black has to take the Rook. (…Kh8 2.

Rxh6 would be checkmate for White ).

Nf8+… Kh8 Black’s only move.

Rxh6+… Rh7 Black’s only move again.

Rx h7++ Solution

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